whats your hook/boot combo?

(WLL) · 27th March 2009, 01:34 PM

i like the Geko 2 with some fancy moutain boots, but will switch to a more lighter climbing shoe for anything hookless, what about yall?

Therrin · 27th March 2009, 05:54 PM

I use the same boots, I dont switch.

Because, invariably, I'll end up doing work on the ground or other "rough" work as well during the same job, or even just working with the equipment.

After crushing and pulping my foot twice now... I dont wear anything but capped boots for everything I do.

newguy18 · 28th March 2009, 01:05 AM

As long as the boot is steel capped and has a good strong arch i don't much care.I use buckingham steel gaffs with caddy pads.I use tennis shoes for air humping and what little foot locking i do,gaffs suck when wearing tennis shoes.

Eric Frei · 28th March 2009, 10:10 AM

Bashlin climbers, boots that fit with steel cap! Got EEE width foot and hard to find comfy boots.

Therrin · 28th March 2009, 04:23 PM

Oh I guess I didnt really answer the question...

I use either:
A) Danner Ft. Lewis 200g goretex insulated boot with 10" uppers (sz 15), or
B) Matterhorn 8" 200g goretex insulated boot with 8" uppers (sz 15

and Buckingham, Steel Contoured, Shank Replaceable Gaff spikes, 2 3/4"
w/ Buckingham Big Buck double-strap pads

JohN Dee · 28th March 2009, 08:39 PM

Ye olde' Buckingham Steel hooks with Velcro wrap cinch (steel insert) pads. Tell ya what, I've climbed in about 5-6 other pairs of hooks besides my own.... JEBUS MINE ARE OLD AND HEAVY - But comfy and ruggid enough for me to stand in them for 9 hours a day (Yep, I've done it).

As for boots, well my current pair are Steel Blues, had them for about 20 months now... I got them custom made with a steel plate inserted in between the sole and the cushion... Was sposed' to be about 3-4 mm thick but as the boots have aged and right now started coming apart the plate is only 1 mm thick...

But these are my new boots that I've ordered and am just awaiting arrival of them now

25-395 Oliver Structural Firemans Water Proof Boot, zip closure, stainless steel - Lace-up Boots or you can goto the manufacturers website and see all of its features... http://www.oliver.com.au/asp/show_products.asp?safety=S

Therrin · 28th March 2009, 09:01 PM

Has anyone had the chance to try Gecko's CF (carbon fiber) gaffs?

I saw them and then had to go change my shorts... those things are SICCCK. A lil pricey at $500 though. I'd love to see some up close.

Willard Holmen · 29th March 2009, 07:21 AM

I climb with Buckingham 2 1/2" gaff climbers with the steel insert velcro super wrap pad. Most comfortable pad I have found. For boots I wear heavy duty 8" linesmens with steel toe and arch, high heel and double layer of leather on sides. I drilled/tapped a hole in the arch of my climbers and screwed a calk [cork,spike] into each one of them. So if I spur up a tree and I stand on a limb the spike in the climbers arch prevents any slippage, almost like having double gaffs on each foot.
I do more climbing without my climbers though because I do alot of pruning and removals of decurrent shaped hardwoods. Yes the removal of excurrent conifers or to block down that tall hardwood stem is where the gaffed climbers shine, but I'm really in my best element when I'm footlocking on a dynamic split tail. I'm not stuck to the trunk of the tree, I feel alot more maneuverable and secure hanging from a climbing line and can easily swing out of the way if in danger. I foot lock with a pair of flat soled iron worker boots with steel toe/arch, nice and light with soft soles for limb walking without hurting the bark and offering good traction on the rope.

Therrin · 29th March 2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HolmenTree

I climb with Buckingham 2 1/2" gaff climbers with the steel insert velcro super wrap pad. Most comfortable pad I have found. For boots I wear heavy duty 8" linesmens with steel toe and arch, high heel and double layer of leather on sides. I drilled/tapped a hole in the arch of my climbers and screwed a calk [cork,spike] into each one of them. So if I spur up a tree and I stand on a limb the spike in the climbers arch prevents any slippage, almost like having double gaffs on each foot. I do more climbing without my climbers though because I do alot of pruning and removals of decurrent shaped hardwoods. Yes the removal of excurrent conifers or to block down that tall hardwood stem is where the gaffed climbers shine, but I'm really in my best element when I'm footlocking on a dynamic split tail. I'm not stuck to the trunk of the tree, I feel alot more maneuverable and secure hanging from a climbing line and can easily swing out of the way if in danger. I foot lock with a pair of flat soled iron worker boots with steel toe/arch, nice and light with soft soles for limb walking without hurting the bark and offering good traction on the rope.

That sounds interesting, any chance you could post a picture of that? I'd be interested in seeing it.

Willard Holmen · 29th March 2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therrin

That sounds interesting, any chance you could post a picture of that? I'd be interested in seeing it.

I'll post that pic as soon as I can ,but you'll have to wait a week LOL, my wife took our only camera on her week long conference at Banff Alberta, she left yesterday.
I can tell you how I did it though. I did this about 5 years ago so I don't remember the exact size, I guess I could go out to the truck and take the climber apart and measure it. Drill one hole [the right size for the tap for the threaded stud of the calk] through the middle of the boot arch part of the climbers [spurs, hooks]. Tap the holes to accept the screw in calk. I used 2 calks from the arch of my calk boots. Screw each calk into the bottom of each climber. Now you have the most efficent climbers/ hooks in the world.

Therrin · 29th March 2009, 08:34 AM

Ohhhh! I had a mental picture of you with spikes studded into the arch of your boot! I was think WTF.... lol. Good to get that cleared up. Still sounds pretty unique and interesting though, I'd love to see it when your wife gets back with the camera!

I started out climbing using ice-crampons.... 12 spikes on each foot. They actually worked pretty decently, but simple gaffs are just "easier"... and you dont gotta worry about steppin on your rope so much. Crampons dug in somewhat decently, but dont have the same kind of down-and-inward exerted pressure that gaffs have.

Willard Holmen · 29th March 2009, 09:11 AM

Years back I took many Arbormaster climbing courses, and was taught how to sharpen gaffs. I have a Buckingham sharpening kit complete with file,stone and gauge. When you get good at sharpening gaffs you will see they are the only proper alternative to climb a tree versus ice crampons etc.
That one little spike screwed into the bottom of each climbers boot plate really makes them a joy to climb with. I do have a pair of calk[cork or spike] boots that I do sometimes use with my climbers[hooks, spurs]. I remove the calks from the arch of the boots so the climbers can be strapped on. Those unused calks I can use to replace the calks in the climbers when they get dull.
Here I drew a picture of what I did to better explain it.

(WLL) · 29th March 2009, 09:49 AM

i used the Buckingham t2's for a good long bit, i got them shortly after they came on the market, went with the super wrap steel insert/Velcro cinch pads. in my entire tree climbing history, I chit you not, the single best move i ever made was to switch my hooks to gecko 2., thanks to me G2's the old saying ''sea men have sea legs, and tree men have tree legs!'',dont mean squat ta me no mo!!! its gecko, not giecko!!!

btw, i did use the CF gecko's for a week and they are very nice, but I'm more then happy to stay on my old G2's the comfy part is the same, but the cool factor has 1 up on the old G2's

Buckstree · 29th March 2009, 09:54 AM

I use the old tims or redwings high wedge and the classis Buckinghams with shin pads...

(WLL) · 29th March 2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckstree

I use the old tims or redwings high wedge and the classis Buckinghams with shin pads...

hay old buck, a/s toss you out on your ass fer the 15th time?

if you dont fit in here you should be good in the th

Buckstree · 29th March 2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (WLL)

hay old buck, a/s toss you out on your ass fer the 15th time?

if you dont fit in here you should be good in the th

Do we know each other, what is A/S

(WLL) · 29th March 2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckstree

Do we know each other, what is A/S

your eddie buck

Buckstree · 29th March 2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (WLL)

Hey is your name William Larkey????

(WLL) · 29th March 2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (WLL)

your eddie buck

Buckstree · 29th March 2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (WLL)

your eddie buck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckstree

Hey is your name William Larkey????

Quote:

Originally Posted by (WLL)

Well I'll take that as a no , but it does'nt matter you be careful out there tree work can give big boo boos...

(WLL) · 29th March 2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckstree

Well I'll take that as a no , but it does'nt matter you be careful out there tree work can give big boo boos...

so your eddie buck from nj?

Buckstree · 29th March 2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (WLL)

so your eddie buck from nj?

Listen I'll ba anyone you want me to be but why do you care, or want to know lets talk trees....

(WLL) · 29th March 2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckstree

Listen I'll ba anyone you want me to be but why do you care, or want to know lets talk trees....

im down with that

welcome to Tree World

Buckstree · 29th March 2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (WLL)

im down with that

welcome to Tree World

You got a good looking little man there ,it feels good to be a dad huh I got two myself and loving life.....

(WLL) · 29th March 2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckstree

You got a good looking little man there ,it feels good to be a dad huh I got two myself and loving life.....

ive got 2 also

Garry Brockley · 30th March 2009, 05:29 PM

Buckingham spikes with velcro leg straps and Tremme aqua stop boots very comfy all day climbing boots

Gunslinger · 5th April 2009, 10:43 PM

Does anyone use these so called "Cadillac Pads"? You know the cast aluminum ones. EKKA had a video where he used them and claimed that they were much better than the other types.

spartek · 6th April 2009, 01:23 PM

Bashlin aluminum spurs are the best, hands down IMO. I got 3 sets ,two with pole spurs and one with tree spurs. Poles spurs are much safer on thin barked trees. Ive got about 6 sets of Buckinghams an a few sets of Kleins. None of them hold a candle to my Bashlins with velcro cinch straps. Ive also used Talon climbers , and I absolutely hated them. As far as climbing boots . Im on my second pair of Hoffmans. These are best pole climbing boots ever made. The steel shank is unparalleled by any other. Ive always climbed in Wesco and Redwing boots. Hoffman boots make spurs feel like your standing on the ground, no kidding.

newguy18 · 6th April 2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

Does anyone use these so called "Cadillac Pads"? You know the cast aluminum ones. EKKA had a video where he used them and claimed that they were much better than the other types.

Yep, i have them on my steel buckinghams,best pads hands down.

(WLL) · 6th April 2009, 02:16 PM

i have nothing nice to say about the caddies, so ill keep quiet.
GECKO

27th March 2009, 01:34 PM	#1
(WLL) Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: pa Posts: 240	whats your hook/boot combo? i like the Geko 2 with some fancy moutain boots, but will switch to a more lighter climbing shoe for anything hookless, what about yall? __________________ Harder than theTH, and his pack of goons

27th March 2009, 05:54 PM	#2
Therrin Former Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 2,497	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? I use the same boots, I dont switch. Because, invariably, I'll end up doing work on the ground or other "rough" work as well during the same job, or even just working with the equipment. After crushing and pulping my foot twice now... I dont wear anything but capped boots for everything I do.

28th March 2009, 01:05 AM	#3
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,948	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? As long as the boot is steel capped and has a good strong arch i don't much care.I use buckingham steel gaffs with caddy pads.I use tennis shoes for air humping and what little foot locking i do,gaffs suck when wearing tennis shoes. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler Last edited by newguy18; 28th March 2009 at 10:13 AM.

28th March 2009, 10:10 AM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,996	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Bashlin climbers, boots that fit with steel cap! Got EEE width foot and hard to find comfy boots. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

28th March 2009, 04:23 PM	#5
Therrin Former Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 2,497	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Oh I guess I didnt really answer the question... I use either: A) Danner Ft. Lewis 200g goretex insulated boot with 10" uppers (sz 15), or B) Matterhorn 8" 200g goretex insulated boot with 8" uppers (sz 15 and Buckingham, Steel Contoured, Shank Replaceable Gaff spikes, 2 3/4" w/ Buckingham Big Buck double-strap pads

28th March 2009, 08:39 PM	#6
JohN Dee Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Climbing around the world Posts: 848	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Ye olde' Buckingham Steel hooks with Velcro wrap cinch (steel insert) pads. Tell ya what, I've climbed in about 5-6 other pairs of hooks besides my own.... JEBUS MINE ARE OLD AND HEAVY - But comfy and ruggid enough for me to stand in them for 9 hours a day (Yep, I've done it). As for boots, well my current pair are Steel Blues, had them for about 20 months now... I got them custom made with a steel plate inserted in between the sole and the cushion... Was sposed' to be about 3-4 mm thick but as the boots have aged and right now started coming apart the plate is only 1 mm thick... But these are my new boots that I've ordered and am just awaiting arrival of them now 25-395 Oliver Structural Firemans Water Proof Boot, zip closure, stainless steel - Lace-up Boots or you can goto the manufacturers website and see all of its features... http://www.oliver.com.au/asp/show_products.asp?safety=S __________________ We are what we repeatedly do... Excellence then, is not an act, but HABIT... Red : Green : Blue

28th March 2009, 09:01 PM	#7
Therrin Former Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 2,497	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Has anyone had the chance to try Gecko's CF (carbon fiber) gaffs? I saw them and then had to go change my shorts... those things are SICCCK. A lil pricey at $500 though. I'd love to see some up close.

29th March 2009, 07:21 AM	#8
Willard Holmen Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 650	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? I climb with Buckingham 2 1/2" gaff climbers with the steel insert velcro super wrap pad. Most comfortable pad I have found. For boots I wear heavy duty 8" linesmens with steel toe and arch, high heel and double layer of leather on sides. I drilled/tapped a hole in the arch of my climbers and screwed a calk [cork,spike] into each one of them. So if I spur up a tree and I stand on a limb the spike in the climbers arch prevents any slippage, almost like having double gaffs on each foot. I do more climbing without my climbers though because I do alot of pruning and removals of decurrent shaped hardwoods. Yes the removal of excurrent conifers or to block down that tall hardwood stem is where the gaffed climbers shine, but I'm really in my best element when I'm footlocking on a dynamic split tail. I'm not stuck to the trunk of the tree, I feel alot more maneuverable and secure hanging from a climbing line and can easily swing out of the way if in danger. I foot lock with a pair of flat soled iron worker boots with steel toe/arch, nice and light with soft soles for limb walking without hurting the bark and offering good traction on the rope.

29th March 2009, 08:34 AM	#11
Therrin Former Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 2,497	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Ohhhh! I had a mental picture of you with spikes studded into the arch of your boot! I was think WTF.... lol. Good to get that cleared up. Still sounds pretty unique and interesting though, I'd love to see it when your wife gets back with the camera! I started out climbing using ice-crampons.... 12 spikes on each foot. They actually worked pretty decently, but simple gaffs are just "easier"... and you dont gotta worry about steppin on your rope so much. Crampons dug in somewhat decently, but dont have the same kind of down-and-inward exerted pressure that gaffs have.

29th March 2009, 09:11 AM	#12
Willard Holmen Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 650	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Years back I took many Arbormaster climbing courses, and was taught how to sharpen gaffs. I have a Buckingham sharpening kit complete with file,stone and gauge. When you get good at sharpening gaffs you will see they are the only proper alternative to climb a tree versus ice crampons etc. That one little spike screwed into the bottom of each climbers boot plate really makes them a joy to climb with. I do have a pair of calk[cork or spike] boots that I do sometimes use with my climbers[hooks, spurs]. I remove the calks from the arch of the boots so the climbers can be strapped on. Those unused calks I can use to replace the calks in the climbers when they get dull. Here I drew a picture of what I did to better explain it. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Therrin; 29th March 2009 at 10:17 AM.

29th March 2009, 09:49 AM	#13
(WLL) Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: pa Posts: 240	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? i used the Buckingham t2's for a good long bit, i got them shortly after they came on the market, went with the super wrap steel insert/Velcro cinch pads. in my entire tree climbing history, I chit you not, the single best move i ever made was to switch my hooks to gecko 2., thanks to me G2's the old saying ''sea men have sea legs, and tree men have tree legs!'',dont mean squat ta me no mo!!! its gecko, not giecko!!! btw, i did use the CF gecko's for a week and they are very nice, but I'm more then happy to stay on my old G2's the comfy part is the same, but the cool factor has 1 up on the old G2's __________________ Harder than theTH, and his pack of goons

29th March 2009, 09:54 AM	#14
Buckstree Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: new jersey Posts: 50	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? I use the old tims or redwings high wedge and the classis Buckinghams with shin pads...

30th March 2009, 05:29 PM	#26
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,641	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Buckingham spikes with velcro leg straps and Tremme aqua stop boots very comfy all day climbing boots __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

5th April 2009, 10:43 PM	#27
Gunslinger Mature tree Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 263	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Does anyone use these so called "Cadillac Pads"? You know the cast aluminum ones. EKKA had a video where he used them and claimed that they were much better than the other types.

6th April 2009, 01:23 PM	#28
spartek Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: ohio, USA Posts: 151	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? Bashlin aluminum spurs are the best, hands down IMO. I got 3 sets ,two with pole spurs and one with tree spurs. Poles spurs are much safer on thin barked trees. Ive got about 6 sets of Buckinghams an a few sets of Kleins. None of them hold a candle to my Bashlins with velcro cinch straps. Ive also used Talon climbers , and I absolutely hated them. As far as climbing boots . Im on my second pair of Hoffmans. These are best pole climbing boots ever made. The steel shank is unparalleled by any other. Ive always climbed in Wesco and Redwing boots. Hoffman boots make spurs feel like your standing on the ground, no kidding.

6th April 2009, 02:16 PM	#30
(WLL) Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: pa Posts: 240	Re: whats your hook/boot combo? i have nothing nice to say about the caddies, so ill keep quiet. *GECKO* __________________ Harder than theTH, and his pack of goons

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